Best Hiking Trails in Southwest VA

During the coronavirus, I have been hiking a lot to get in my exercise. I am fortunate to live in an area where I can go outside and hike without being exposed to people and go on my own little adventure. I might be a little biased because I live here; however, I think Southwest Virginia has some of the most beautiful trails and lookouts. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order.

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The Cascades. The Cascade falls is a waterfall in Giles Co., Virginia. It is about 3.8 miles trail that leads to this beautiful waterfall. Be sure to wear a swimsuit because it is a great area to swim as well. This one is absolutely breathtaking and is a great way to cool off after a hike. Need I say more?

Barney’s Wall. This is a hike I like to do from The Cascades. This is a fantastic view of the New River Valley from above. From the Cascades to Barney’s Wall is about 8 miles. This hike is also minutes away from where the movie “Dirty Dancing” was filmed at Mountain Lake. Feel free to stop by there for lunch at their restaurant in the lodge. For more information about about Barney’s Wall and The Cascades trail click here.

Grayson Highlands State Park. Grayson highlands is in Grayson Co, VA. This state park is unique with all of the 13 different hiking trails, but what really makes it stand out is the wild ponies. Yes, you heard me right! The wild ponies were amazing to see and I could watch them graze the park all day. Grayson Highlands has access to the Appalachian trail as well as the 68 miles long VA Highlands Horse trail. To read more about this beautiful place, click here.

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Molly’s Knob. Molly’s Knob is part of Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, VA. It is a trail that overlooks the beautiful park. Below is the Hungry Mother “beach” where you can go swimming after a day of hiking to cool off. There are a lot of trails on Hungry Mother including some great biking trails, but Molly’s knob is my favorite at Hungry Mother.

High Rocks. High rocks in Wytheville, VA is a trail that is close to my home. This trail is an uphill (pretty tiring) trail that overlooks the beautiful town of Wytheville. I have hiked this trail so much that I probably could walk it with my eyes closed. Aren’t the views gorgeous?

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Crystal Springs. Crystal Springs is in Wytheville, VA and has multiple trails to hike to as well. You can actually walk to high rocks from one of the trails at Crystal Springs. Wytheville is fortunate to have such a great place to hike and bike. Check it out here.

Seven Sisters. Seven sisters is a trail in Southwest VA on Little Walker Mountain that is great one to do to get out of the house and enjoy nature. Seven Sisters trail is known for its variety of terrain. Read about why Seven Sisters is called what it is here. It is truly a fascinating story.

Burke’s Garden. Burkes Garden (also known as God’s Thumbprint) is a beautiful place to visit that also has a hiking trail in Tazewell, Co. Even if you’re not into hiking this is still a great place to drive to and see the views. Burke’s garden is Virginia’s highest valley and looks like a moon crater in the Earth. It was actually Vanderbuilt’s first choice to build a house there, but they wouldn’t sell him the land. Look at how beautiful!

New River State Trail (Foster Falls). I have always enjoyed going to Foster Falls, VA to see the Shot Tower and go tubing down the river. There are also great trails to bike, walk, and go horseback riding. Click here to read more.

Creeper Trail. The VA Creeper trail is a 34.3 mile rail-to-recreation trail. I have never hiked the whole trail; however, I have hiked bits and pieces of it. It would take a while to do the whole trail. If you like biking, this is 100% the trail for you. Click here to read more!

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